My kitchen smelled like my grandma’s Sunday suppers the first time I made Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauceherby, creamy, and just a little indulgent. It’s all over Pinterest for a reason! It’s one of those easy chicken dinner ideas that feels fancy but comes together in 30 minutes, no stress, no fuss. If you’ve got a skillet and a weeknight craving, you’re golden.
It starts with tender boneless skinless chicken breasts, seared until golden, then tucked into a warm basil cream, finished with melty mozzarella. Like a cross between baked ziti and your favorite chicken breast meals, but simpler. No special trip to the store. Full details in the blog!
I grew up around backyard basil and Sunday chickenit taught me that feel-good food doesn’t need fancy. I test every recipe to be craveable, affordable, and cozy enough for real life. Trust me, I’ve got a tweak in this one you’ll want to keep forever.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re the kind of cook who thrives on easy chicken dinner ideas that don’t skimp on flavor, this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce will feel like a win. Here’s why it’ll steal your heart (and your taste buds):
Rich and creamy magic: The basil cream sauce wraps these chicken breasts in a blanket of comfort and indulgence, yet it’s simple to make.
Everyday ingredients: Nothing fancy herejust pantry staples you likely already have. It’s as practical as it gets.
Fancy without fuss: It feels restaurant-worthy but whips up in just about 30 minutesideal for busy weeknights or last-minute company.
Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or spoon it over crusty bread for a cozy dinner everyone will love.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Let’s break down the powerhouse lineup that makes this dish so crave-worthy:
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy when prepared right, these chicken breasts are the star. Boneless skinless chicken thighs work too if that’s more your speed.
Garlic and onion powder: These pantry heroes add an instant flavor boost to the chicken.
Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese: Melty, gooey, and savorythis duo creates the dreamiest finish.
Heavy cream: Key for that luscious, silky texture. A rich whole milk might work in a pinch, but cream is best.
Basil: Fresh basil takes this sauce to the next level, but dried basil works perfectly too.
Ingredient
Substitution Ideas
Boneless chicken breasts
Boneless chicken thighs or leftover rotisserie chicken
Heavy cream
Whole milk (for a lighter version)
Fresh basil
Dried basil (use 1/3 the amount)
Mozzarella cheese
Provolone or Monterey Jack cheese
How to Make It Step-by-Step
This dish is simple at its corecrisp up the chicken, simmer the sauce, and let the magic happen. Here’s your game plan:
Season the chicken: Dust your boneless skinless chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simple but effective for layering flavor.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, and let the chicken cook until golden on each side (about 4–5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté minced garlic, and pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in basil and Parmesan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Combine: Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cover and let it cook until the cheese is melted and gooey (about 6–8 minutes).
Serve: Give it a final sprinkle of fresh basil if you have it, then serve with your favorite sidelike rice, pasta, or steamed veggies.
Step
Approx. Time
Prep chicken and season
5 minutes
Sear chicken
8–10 minutes
Make basil cream sauce
5 minutes
Simmer with cheese
6–8 minutes
Total time
25–30 minutes
Troubleshooting and Helpful Tips
This recipe is forgiving, but here are a few pointers to ensure smooth sailing:
Chicken too dry? Be sure not to overcook it while searing. The sauce will keep the chicken moist if you stop cooking before it’s fully done during searing.
Sauce separating? Stir frequently when adding the cream, and don’t boil itgentle simmering is key for a creamy texture.
Not thick enough? If the sauce feels too thin, let it simmer uncovered for an extra minute or two to reduce it.
Serving and Storage
Plate your Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce with something to catch all that dreamy sauce. It’s the kind of thing you’ll want to savor every bite of!
Great serving ideas: Buttered noodles, fluffy rice, or garlic mashed potatoes make excellent partners for this dish. Add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for color and balance.
Storage: Leftovers? Lucky you! Cool the chicken and sauce completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Storage Option
How-To
Best By
Refrigerator
Store in airtight container
3 days
Freezer
Freeze chicken and sauce separately
2 months
Expert Insight: The Appeal of Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce balances rich creaminess with fresh herbal notes, creating a harmony that enhances the chicken’s natural tenderness. The basil not only brightens the dish but also complements mozzarella’s mild texture, making it a satisfying yet elegant meal choice for a variety of palates.
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Finding Comfort with Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce recipe didn’t come together overnightI must have tested it through a kitchen full of almost-right versions. I learned that balancing the creaminess and fresh basil was key, and after plenty of tweaks, this dish finally hits that perfect note of cozy, wholesome flavor we love.
FAQs ( Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce )
What cut of chicken works best for Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce?
Boneless skinless chicken breast recipes like this one work perfectly because the meat stays tender and absorbs the creamy basil flavors beautifully. You can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful option. Both cuts cook evenly and pair wonderfully with melted mozzarella. Just make sure to pound the chicken to an even thickness for consistent cooking results.
Can I make this Mozzarella Chicken recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep this dish partially ahead of time by cooking the chicken and preparing the basil cream sauce separately. Store both components in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, then reheat gently and add the mozzarella cheese just before serving. This makes it one of those convenient easy chicken dinner ideas that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The flavors actually develop nicely when the sauce has time to meld.
What sides go well with Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce?
This creamy chicken dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice pilaf, or garlic mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious basil cream sauce. For a lighter option, serve it over steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or alongside a crisp Caesar salad. Crusty bread or dinner rolls are also perfect for mopping up every last drop of that heavenly sauce.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?
The key to a smooth basil cream sauce is controlling the heat and adding ingredients gradually. Keep the heat at medium-low when adding cream, and never let the sauce come to a rolling boil. If using wine or lemon juice, add them before the cream and let the alcohol cook off first. Stir constantly and remove from heat immediately once the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Can I use different types of cheese instead of mozzarella?
Absolutely! While mozzarella gives that classic stretchy, mild flavor, you can substitute it with provolone, fontina, or even cream cheese for extra richness. Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the basil beautifully, while Monterey Jack melts smoothly and stays creamy. Just remember that harder cheeses may need a bit more time to melt completely into the sauce.
Conclusion
Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce comes together in about 30 minutes, delivering tender, juicy chicken wrapped in a silky, herb-kissed sauce. You’ll love how approachable this recipe feelscomforting with just the right touch of elegance, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends in.
Feel free to swap boneless skinless chicken breasts for thighs or even canned chicken for a quick fix. Add sun-dried tomatoes or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little extra oomph. Leftovers keep beautifully, making this one of those easy chicken dinner ideas to keep in your cooking rotation.
Give it a try, and don’t be shyshare your photos or spin the recipe your way. Did this bring back any family meal memories? Pass this along to someone who loves a good, homey chicken breast recipe. You’ll wanna make it again, I promise.
Yesica Andrews
Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce: Easy and Delicious
Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is a comforting and indulgent dish perfect for Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Recipes and Easy Chicken Dinner Ideas. This creamy basil sauce pairs beautifully with tender chicken breasts, making it a versatile and delicious Chicken Breast Meal that impresses without the fuss.
1½ teaspoons dried basil (or ¼ cup chopped fresh basil)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
Method
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Add the heavy cream, dried basil (or fresh basil), mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the basil cream sauce over them.
Simmer for another 3-5 minutes to heat through and blend the flavors.
Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.
Notes
For extra freshness, garnish with chopped fresh basil. This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
